Friday, August 29, 2008

Palin dooms McCain

GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/30/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/
posted, http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/
* * * * *
John McCain, he Reminds me of the composite of every self absorbed, narcissistic, evangelical conservative con man I have ever met.

Palin strikes me as the lean mean soccer mom machine from hell.

Neither have little sympathy for people not like them.

Taken in political panic, Palin to McCain, is nothing more than a political trophy wife. Pretty by his side but hopelessly marginalized. The shallowness of the McCain panic spells his doom.

Obama is my dream of the modern American politician and Biden is a seasoned warrior watching his prodigy leader ready to pounce on the opposition, or make that experienced suggestion.

In the end these candidates are just symbols of coalitions that have come together under a party banner to pursue different agendas. Are they Strong enough to build a coalition, be successful in achieving their unique agenda and which agenda do we support.

The democrats, to include I, call for an agenda of change. We have assembled a team to make this happen.

McCain brings nothing new. Feebly he is attempting to assemble the Bush coalition. This group discredited, responsible for expanding the federal government, building an astronomical federal deficit and killing our men in a fraudulent war.

My choice is clear, Obama, you make yours.

I am still appalled that McCain would put this political child a heartbeat away from being commander and chief.

Obama is marketing his vision in this presidential campaign. McCain is marketing a bait and switch.

Just more republican stuff this country has grown tired of.

by Terry R. Bankert
Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/ or
Flint Talk http://www.flinttalk.com/viewforum.php?f=2

Sphere: Related Content

McCain irresponsible and dumb as a rock

John McCain you are irresponsible and dumb as a rock...oh..and happy birthday today you are 72 yrs old..
**********
John Sidney McCain III (born August 29, 1936), happy birthday, you are 72 years old today.
Congratulations you have lived one year longer than your father. You remember John S. McCain, Jr. (1911–1981) died when he was 70 yrs of age.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain

Possibly you have a high probability of dying in lets say within the next 4 years. Actually you have a 22% probability of dropping dead today says one mortality table. http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/STATS/table4c6.html

If elected President ,your Vice President will be 1st in line to assume the Presidency of the Greatest Country in the world the United States of America.

Sarah Louise Heath Palin (born February 11, 1964) is 44 years of age is your pick . She has no Federal experience, and not much other experience. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

You will be placing this totally inexperience person one heart attack ,yours, away from being Commander in Chief. How irresponsible.

I wonder what the parents of the troops in the field think about you today?

Look at the Federal experience soon to be President Obama has in his vice President Joe Biden. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden

SO... for a cute face , a laudable but non federal background, to win a few more womans votes you will risk the security of this country.

How irresponsible.

Do you really think this nominee will help you?

If you do, you are dumb as a rock.

Happy Birthday

Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/29/08 http://attorneybankert.com/

Sphere: Related Content

ITS GREAT TO BE AN AMERICAN

GOOD MORNING FLINT, 8/29/08 , Terry Bankert , http://attorneybankert.com/ FLINT MI USA, 1000 Beach St.,48503 1-810-235-1970 [trb] *************************************************************

What a great speech, orator and leader. The real battle now starts.

What can we do to help our country by electing Barrack Obama President of the United States? Count me in! What about You?

It is great to be an American and a Democrat. Yes John we Democrats love our country and will fight for it. I have the same honorable discharge you do. I honor your service and I dishonor your politics and personal characteristics.

We must all join this fight.

What do you suggest we activist, concerned Americans and street politics blogospherites Democrats do to help Obama win this war?[trb]

- - - -
ITS GREAT TO BE AN AMERICAN http://gallery1.demconvention.com/ He pledged to cut taxes for nearly all working-class families, end the war in Iraq and break America's dependence on Mideast oil within a decade. Portraying a McCain administration as a continuation of the current Bush White House, Obama said, "On Nov. 4, we must stand up and say: 'Eight is enough.'"

- - - - -
Title: Speaking About Our Nation's Promise! While speaking in new venues, Barack Obama laid out his vision about how the U.S.A. should work. Obama was impressive in describing America's promise, and saying, "this race is not about me, it's about you (the American people)."

The speech was inspiring and intimate and at one point he stated, "I really am one of you." As he boldly attacked the status quo, he was thorough and he filled his remarks with detail.

Obama said what America thirsts for is a new politics for a new time. Barack Obama's speech was crystal clear and resonated as an insistent summons to move forward as we face a turning point in our nation's history.

Knocking it out of the ball park at Invesco Field in Denver, Obama delivered a hit heard around the world! He addressed it all, from pocketbook issues and the American Dream to national security and the need to improve our standing in world affairs.

It was an electrifying event with 85,000 people in attendance. What a great experience I have had as a first-time convention delegate! Wow! Democrats have reached the unity phase. We are organized, energized and mobilized.

It is all about our nation's promise

Lee Gonzales 8/29/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
_________________
Lee Gonzales is a State Representative 49th District Flint/Genesee Michigan USA, Democrat http://049.housedems.com/ 546
- - - - -

ANOTHER SMALL VICTORY FOR THE BLOGOSPHERE Five years of blogging has brought Jeff Ooi a measure of notoriety. His biting posts on Malaysian politics sparked police investigations. A pro-government newspaper sued him for libel. A prominent politician compared bloggers to monkeys in a lawless jungle. In January, as Malaysia braced for national elections, a new banner went up on his blog ( www.jeffooi.com ): Get a Blogger Into Parliament. Fueled by donations and manpower, Mr. Ooi easily defeated a ruling-party candidate to win a parliamentary seat on Penang Island. http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2008/08/28/a-blogger-takes-office-in-malaysia/ - - - - -

It has been my honor to facilitate the Convention blog of Lee Gonzales.

Through his post I sense the intellect and passion of this leader. Thank You Lee! [trb]

–end

FORWARD THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS, PRINT IT AND POST IT AT WORK OR DISTRIBUTE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THEN LET ME KNOW! I’ll tell the world! [trb]

Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Bravissimo

LEE GONZALES CONVENTION BLOG 8/28/08
**********************************

Bravissimo! Bravissimo! Bravissimo!

That is Italian for Democrats kick butt. For the third consecutive day the 2008 Democratic National Convention gets more exciting and more uniting!

On Wednesday the convention nominated Barack Obama as our Presidential nominee by acclamation and Joe Biden as our VP nominee.

It really is exciting to participate as a delegate and listen to forward-looking ideas that embrace our nation and provide a blueprint for taking our nation in a new direction. Among the many stars showcased at the convention, four individuals have achieved the alpha star (the brightest star) category. They are Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and Senator Joe Biden--and in their speeches a common thread describes a fairly remarkable Democratic Party transformation.

President Bill Clinton's remarks included the need to rebuild the American Dream and restore America as a respected leader in the world community. Clinton was engaging and convincing in his support of the Obama-Biden campaign.

Senator Joe Biden also gave an impressive speech. He observed how Barack Obama is a great American story and that from their upbringings they share a common story. In addition to telling his life story, Sen. Biden covered foreign policy and spoke about pocketbook issues for everyday Americans.

What a historic day! Inspiring! Uniting! Stay tuned for Thursday evening.

LEE 8/28/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
_________________
Lee Gonzales is a State Representative 49th District Flint /Genesee Michigan USA, Democrat http://049.housedems.com/
440/1340

Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

OBAMA SIGN UP

fyi from my email

---
Dear Terry,

The convention is now underway in Denver, and in just two days, Barack Obama will accept the nomination before a crowd of 75,000 people and millions more at home.

But right-wing groups are already up to their old tricks and embracing low road politics in an effort to smear Barack and diminish this moment.

That's why it's more important than ever to make your voice heard right now.

Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to let your community and the country know that Michigan stands behind Barack Obama -- and that Barack Obama stands with the people of Michigan for good jobs, a stronger economy, and the issues that matter most.

Our online letter-to-the-editor tool makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard.

Take action now and write a letter about why you support Barack and this movement for change.

The past eight years have been devastating to families in Michigan and across the country. We can't afford four more years of those same failed Bush-McCain policies -- and with less than 10 weeks until Election Day, the time to share Barack's message of change with Michigan is now.

Take this opportunity to tell your friends, family, and neighbors more about Barack and his specific plan for strengthening our economy. Barack's economic plan will provide a permanent tax credit of up to $1,000 to hard-working American families, end tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas, and extend $4 billion in tax credits to re-tool and re-energize the auto industry.

Speak out now on the economy and make a difference in Michigan: http://mi.barackobama.com/miLTE/ Our online letter-to-the-editor tool includes facts to help you write your letter on this and other major issues, like energy and foreign relations.

You can also check out our state homepage, MI.BarackObama.com. We regularly update it with current issues and information, so please check back often.

Thank you,

Amy Amy Chapman Michigan State Director Obama for America

P.S. -- This Thursday, as millions of people across the country watch Barack accept the Democratic nomination, we have to seize the opportunity to register and mobilize new supporters.

That's why folks like you across the state are taking part in a massive Weekend of Action this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Find a Weekend of Action event near you: http://my.barackobama.com/organizeforchange

Sphere: Related Content

Monday, August 25, 2008

BIOFUEL FOR FLINT

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IS TO ELIMINATE THE BARRIERS FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TO COME TO MARKET.

*****
GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/26/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/ ,
full article with citations posted,
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/ ,
Summary for discussion at Flint Talk thread Good Morning Flint:
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34884#34884
* * * * * REFLECTIONS:
Flint and Michigan have a great opportunity to lead the world in biofuel production. In September the Swedish King promoting one of his countries corporations comes to Flint Mi USA to break ground for a BIO Plant. Great! Did you know that one in five cars in Sweden are run on alternative fuel. We should keep our mind open and listen and learn what biofuel is all about. Biofuel can come from human waste as the plant in Flint will produce. Our governmental policies should support and breakdown barriers to alternative fuel production. Thanks to Governor Grandholm for bringing the King of Sweden and a new industry to Michigan and Flint.
* * * * *

At a time when energy experts around the world are debating the “food versus fuel” debate, British Petroleum President (global biofuels) Philip G New tells Sudheer Pal Singh that the solution lies in uncovering the web of market and regulatory problems.[1]

FLINT AND MICHIGAN HAVE SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY...LETS HAVE BIOFUEL FROM FLINT MARKETED TO THE WORLD King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will visit Michigan on Sept. 26-27 to discuss alternative energy issues, [3] here we have an excellent opportunity to change our world and economically help Flint.[trb]

SWEDISH KING TO BREAK GROUIND FOPR SWEDISH PLANT Gustaf's Sept. 26 visit to Kettering University will coincide with the groundbreaking of the new Swedish Biogas International plant in Flint. [4]

ONE IN FIVE CARS IN SWEDEN RUN ON ALTERNATIVE FUEL The government of Sweden and the national association of auto makers, BIL Sweden, have started work to end oil dependency. One-fifth of cars in Stockholm can run on alternative fuels, mostly ethanol fuel. Stockholm is to introduce a fleet of Swedish-made hybrid ethanol-electric buses. Plans for oil phase-out in Sweden by 2020 was announced in 2005.[33][3]

DO YOU KNOW WHA TBIO FUEL IS "Bio-energy" redirects here. For the term bio-energy in the context of non-mechanist philosophy or alternative medicine, Biofuel can be broadly defined as solid, liquid, or gas fuel derived from recently dead biological material.This distinguishes it from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material. Biofuel can be theoretically produced from any (biological) carbon source, though the most common by far is photosynthetic plants. Various plants and plant-derived materials are used for biofuel manufacturing. Biofuels are used globally, most commonly to power vehicles and cooking stoves. Biofuel industries are expanding in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

DID YOU KNOW BIOFUEL WILL NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT AND GLOBAL WARMING Biofuels offer the possibility of producing energy without a net increase of carbon into the atmosphere, because the plants used in to produce the fuel have removed CO2 from the atmosphere, unlike fossil fuels which return carbon which was stored beneath the surface for millions of years into the air. Therefore, biofuel is in theory more nearly carbon neutral and less likely to increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. (However, doubts have been raised as to whether this benefit can be achieved in practice, see below). The use of biofuels also reduces dependence on petroleum and enhances energy security.[1]

BIOMASS CAN COME FROM US, HUMAN WASTE Biomass is material derived from recently livingorganisms. This includes plants, animals and their by-products. For example, manure, garden waste and crop residues are all sources of biomass. It is a renewable energy source based on the carbon cycle, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal, and nuclear fuels.[1]

OUR POLICY SHOULD BE TO SUPPORT AND FUND 2ND GENERATION BIOFUEL FROM HUMAN WASTE Supporters of biofuels claim that a more viable solution is to increase political and industrial support for, and rapidity of, second-generation biofuel implementation from non food crops, including cellulosic biofuels.[19] Second-generation biofuel production processes can use a variety of non food crops. These include waste biomass, the stalks of wheat, corn, wood, and special-energy-or-biomass crops (e.g. Miscanthus). Second generation (2G) biofuels use biomass to liquid technology, including cellulosic biofuels from non food crops.[20] Many second generation biofuels are under development such as biohydrogen, biomethanol, DMF, Bio-DME, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, biohydrogen diesel, mixed alcohols and wood diesel.[2]

MICHGAN WITH OUR GOVERNOR GRANDHOLM BROUGHT THE SWEDISH INITIATIVE TO FLINT The royal visit springs from an invitation by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who visited Sweden a year ago on a business investment mission.[3]

THE SWEDES ARE LEADERS IN BIOFUEL Swedish firms are involved in a couple of cutting-edge energy ventures in Michigan:[3] • A waste-to-energy project in Flint headed by Swedish Biogas International.[e][3]

HERE IS HOW BIO GAS WORKS IT COMES FROM WASTE Biogas is produced by the process of anaerobic digestion of organic material by anaerobes. It can be produced either from biodegradable waste materials or by the use of energy crops fed into anaerobic digesters to supplement gas yields. The solid byproduct, digestate, can be used as a biofuel or a fertilizer. In the UK, the National Coal Board experimented with microorganisms that digested coal in situ converting it directly to gases such as methane.[2]

BIOGAS CREATES A METHANE BYPRODUCT What are the major challenges that the global ... biofuel industries face?[1]

The major challenges are to deliver a global industry which is both sustainable and economic; how to be able to introduce new technologies which have the potential to transform the industry; and to work with the agriculture sector to make sure that we bring the interests of energy and nutrition together.[1]

Hopefully the Swedish will show us how to make biogas use a success.[trb]

What are the problems that confront the existing market regulatory mechanisms and how can that be set right?[1]

In developmental economics, we are often told that one of the major challenges in the biofuels industry is the failure of market mechanism which has stopped people from investing and producing food as efficiently as possible.[1]

My only point is that rather than making a simplistic assumption that the introduction of biofuels has caused the food versus fuel controversies, biofuels have the potential to be part of some solution to these problems.[1]

As compared to conventional fuels, how much savings in greenhouse gas emission can a biofuel crop provide?[1]

The greenhouse gas contribution of a biofuel depends on how it is produced and what it is made from. So, if you make biofuel from the right thing and if you produce it in the right way, then you can get 80-90 per cent improvement in greenhouse gases. This is what we call “biofuels done well”.[1]

An example of this is Brazil where sugarcane is producing 80-90 per cent green house gas savings.[1]

Have the higher global crude oil prices contributed to the boost in the demand for biofuels? [1]

Higher fossil fuel prices clearly must allow greater opportunities for alternative energy sources to flourish without requiring massive government subsidies and incentives.[1]

What kind of investments you are looking forward to make in the Indian market? [1]

What kind of policy changes do you expect or recommend? [1]

A national policy with very clear targets, where there are mandates with introduction of biofuels and an understanding of the mechanisms to ensure compliance.[1]

It’s an essential first step to ensure that the market exists. After that, incentives to support innovation, clarity around environmental concerns and sustainability obligations of the industry should be exposed.[1]

FLINT WILL HAVE BIOGAS UP AND RUNNING BY 2010 The biogas plant, which would be located near the city's wastewater treatment plant, will convert waste to energy that would be used to fuel buses, taxis and police vehicles. Wood said biogas-fueled vehicles should be a reality in Flint by 2009 or 2010.[4]

JUST IMAGINE WE HAVE LEADERS WORKING TIO MAKE FLINT THE CENTER OF A NEW INDUSTRY The hope is that Flint would be a center for the biogas industry in the U.S.[4] "In my wildest dreams, just like Billy Durant hatched General Motors in Flint, maybe the biogas industry in the U.S. will be started in Flint," Wood said.[4] Support biofuel, thank the politicians that brought this to us and bow to theier King.[trb]

POSTED HERE BY Terry Bankert 8/26/08 ..

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Terry Bankert is facilitating this blog for State Representative Lee Gonzales who will post regularly to Flint Talk During the convention here. at http://flinttalk.com/

The Lee Gonzales Convention blogg site is at, http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/

------------sources

[1] http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=332433
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofue l
[3] http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080815/COL06/808150421/1081 [4] http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/08/flints_own_ambassador_to_swede.html

[trb] Comments of Terry Bankert to include unattributed cap headlines http://attorneybankert.com/
84569/17425

Sphere: Related Content

Sunday, August 24, 2008

JUST CALL HIM...JOE

From my email, a message from and old friend.
---
Terry

I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign.

What you and Barack have accomplished over the past 19 months is incredible, and it's an honor to be part of it.

I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting involved. I recorded a short video message about how I hope to help in the weeks ahead.

Please take a minute to watch the video and share it with your friends: Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing a lot of the things you've done to grow this movement -- reaching out day after day in neighborhoods all across the country, connecting with people who are hungry for the change we need. This is no ordinary time, and this is no ordinary election.

I plan to do everything I can to help Barack take back the White House.

I don't need to tell you that John McCain will just bring us another four years of the same. You can't change America when you supported George Bush's policies 95% of the time. Barack has the vision and the courage to bring real change to Washington.

But even he can't do this alone. Join me by getting involved in your community -- and reach out to your friends and family to get them involved as well.

Please watch this video and pass it on: http://my.barackobama.com/bidenvideo

Thank you,

Joe

Sphere: Related Content

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Joe Biden Vice President..great..and cheap shots by republican press

THE FOX NET WORK, MCCAIN CAMP AND A ROUGH ELEMENT IN AP TAKE A SHOT AT OBAMA/BIDEN AND MISS......

http://www.flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34689#34689

Analysis: Biden pick shows lack of confidence By RON FOURNIER, AP posted: http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Aug23/0,4670,VeepstakesAnalysis,00.html

Ron Fournier, a former White House correspondent, national political writer and online political editor for The Associated Press, has been named chief of the AP's Washington bureau. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iZG8_epLacvbSoBuxNVQqnSThJJwD929IEAO0

WHAT STREET NAME CAN WE GIVE THE AP WHIZ.... Theword moron, along with others including "retarded", "idiotic", "imbecilic", "stupid", and "feeble-minded", was formerly considered a valid descriptor in the psychological community, though these words have all now passed into common slang use, exclusively in a derogatory context. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moron_(psychology)

Since moron has a negative connotation I will just use Feeble-minded or FM for short.[trb]

The following is a conversation with Mr. Fournier hereafter identified as FM.

Today, the Politico reveals that Fournier was this close to getting a "senior advisory role" in the McCain campaign, probably as some sort of fancy flack. http://gawker.com/5030968/what-does-politico-have-against-ron-fournier

Fournier is just a tool of the mccain campaign...da....[trb]

FM STATED: In picking Sen. Joe Biden to be his running mate, Barack Obama sought to shore up his weakness — inexperience in office and on foreign policy — rather than underscore his strength as a new-generation candidate defying political conventions.

BANKERT RESPONSE: BIDEN BALANCES THE TICKET. HE IS THE TOP FOREIGN POLICY GUY WITH A DEEP ANTI CRIME TRADITION. HE IS THE FORCEFUL LEADER OBAMA NEEDS AND HAD THE COURAGE TO PICK.... LOOK AT WHAT MCCAIN NEEDS, ...A NANNY

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden could help offset Obama's relative inexperience in foreign policy. Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator, has been ridiculed by his Republican rival, John McCain, as too naive to be president. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

Two high-level Democratic operatives confirmed Biden's selection to The Times Friday night. Biden, 65, had emerged earlier this week as a top choice. The Times reported Wednesday that the Delaware senator had met repeatedly with campaign officials and that the Secret Service was preparing to protect him. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

On Friday, one of the Democrats working with the campaign said the Secret Service had been dispatched and a plane readied to take Biden to Springfield, Ill., where Obama plans to roll out his vice presidential pick today at a rally at the Old State Capitol. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

A Roman Catholic born to a working-class family in Scranton, Pa., Biden might also help Obama draw blue-collar Catholic voters who formed a core constituency for New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in her primary battle with Obama. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

Biden has already demonstrated an appetite for defending Obama and taking on McCain, particularly on foreign policy issues. In May, he criticized President Bush for attacking those like Obama who favor reaching out diplomatically to regimes like Iran and North Korea. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

FM STATED: He picked a 35-year veteran of the Senate — the ultimate insider — rather than a candidate from outside Washington, such as Govs. Tim Kaine of Virginia or Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; or from outside his party, such as Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska; or from outside the mostly white male club of vice presidential candidates.

BANKERT RESPONSE:Biden is a brilliant pick. McCain must be tossing in bed...but in which mansion?

FM STATED: Hillary Rodham Clinton didn't even make his short list.

BANKERT RESPONSE: And he told her straight up.... He insisted on the utmost secrecy; he paid the losers the courtesy of essentially telling them "no" to their faces--not an easy thing to do. And he swallowed his considerable pride and all but confessed his lack of knowledge of foreign affairs by selecting as his running mate the Senate's senior Democratic leader on that topic. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863

In short, Obama behaved like a grownup. Even his much-criticized failure to "vet" Sen. Hillary Clinton means less than meets the eye. I talked two months ago to one of her closest legal advisors, who told me that she didn't really WANT to be considered for the number two job--in no small measure because the process would have required Obama's lawyers to comb through her husband's foundation and its murky sources of income. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863

In that sense, Obama did her a favor by not really demanding to consider her. She would have had to say "no." http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863

FM STATED: The picks say something profound about Obama: For all his self-confidence, the 47-year-old Illinois senator worried that he couldn't beat Republican John McCain without help from a seasoned politician willing to attack.

BANKERT RESPONSE: the object is to win. Obama had to balance out the Democratic ticket with the proven experience of Biden. Biden will have McCain for lunch. Along with his Senate Foreign Relations post, which recently took him on a trip to Georgia after the Russian invasion, Biden has been chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and has had a hand in legislation on crime, terrorism and drug policy. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

FM STATED: The Biden pick is the next logistical step in an Obama campaign that has become more negative — a strategic decision that may be necessary but threatens to run counter to his image.

BANKERT RESPONSE: McCain and the republican thugs in the Party, in Fox net work and the moneyed interests that are about to lose control of this country are vicious and will soon prove it. Negative...you have never seen the level of negativity about to be unleashed on Obama. One of the main roles of the Democratic vice presidential nominee will be to attack McCain and his running mate. The Arizona senator is expected to name his No. 2 after the Democrats end their national convention in Denver on Thursday. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

FM STATED: Democratic strategists, fretting over polls that showed McCain erasing Obama's lead this summer, welcomed the move. They, too, worried that Obama needed a more conventional — read: tougher — approach to McCain.

BANKERT RESPONSE: Biden knows MCCain and will tell the world what a simpleton and malicious politician he McCAin really is. What does Biden bring to the ticket? A lot. First of all, he has a love of politics and public service. He never tried to get rich from his role, even though he has been in the Senate for decades. He is a fancy dresser--given to stick pin collars and French cuffs--and yet he is an unassuming son of a car salesman who takes the train home to Wilmington almost every night. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863

His personal story is compelling: a riches-to-rags family background; a first wife killed in a car crash; a devoted life with his second wife; a passel of grandchildren whom he adores as much as they adore him. And he's never had a hint of financial or sexual scandal. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863

Biden is a Catholic--a demographic must for a Democratic ticket eager to get swing voters in heavily Catholic states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863


FM STATED: "You've got to hand it to the candidate and the campaign. They have a great sense of timing and tone and appropriateness. Six months ago, people said he wasn't tough enough on Hillary Clinton — he was being too passive — but he got it right at the right time," said Democratic strategist Jim Jordan. "He'll get it right again."

BANKERT RESPONSE: This is hardball and Obama is up to the task.

FM STATED: Indeed, Obama has begun to aggressively counter McCain's criticism with negative television ads and sharp retorts from the campaign trail.

BANKERT RESPONSE: If you do not compete you lose. When the public quits responding to negative ads they will not be aired.

FM STATED: A senior Obama adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his boss has expressed impatience with what he calls a "reverence" inside his campaign for his message of change and new politics. In other words, Obama is willing — even eager — to risk what got him this far if it gets him to the White House.

BANKERT RESPONSE: The Obama campaign must become energized for a tough nasty fight.

FM STATED: Biden brings a lot to the table. An expert on national security, the Delaware senator voted in 2002 to authorize military intervention in Iraq but has since become a vocal critic of the conflict. He won praise for a plan for peace in Iraq that would divide the country along ethnic lines.

BANKERT RESPONSE: A good leader always has an open mind.

FM STATED: Chief sponsor of a sweeping anti-crime bill that passed in 1994, Biden could help inoculate Obama from GOP criticism that he's soft on crime — a charge his campaign fears will drive a wedge between white voters and the first black candidate with a serious shot at the White House.

BANKERT RESPONSE: Nonsense. The African American community is as concerned about crime as the Lilly white republican establishment.

FM STATED: So the question is whether Biden's depth counters Obama's inexperience — or highlights it? After all, Biden is anything but a change agent, having been in office longer than half of all Americans have been alive. Longer than McCain. And he talks too much.

BANKERT RESPONSE: I’LL take Biden the warrior over McCain the clown any day of the week.

FM STATED: On the same day he announced his second bid for the presidency, Biden found himself explaining why he had described Obama as "clean."

BANKERT RESPONSE: So he’s not the top guy. He can be my second any day of the week.

FM STATED: And there's the 2007 ABC interview in which Biden said he would stand by an earlier statement that Obama was not ready to serve as president.

BANKERT RESPONSE: The campaign process, prepares you. In an August 2007 interview with Charlie Rose, Biden said that he believed Obama was "fully capable of being ready" to be president, but added: "He hasn't demonstrated it yet. This is early in the campaign." In other interviews, Biden demurred from criticizing Obama directly and emphasized his own extensive experience on the world stage. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story

FM STATED: It seems Obama is worried that some voters are starting to agree.

BANKERT RESPONSE: Voters are agreeing. OBAMA/Biden for President and Vice President. Biden....He knows foreign policy and defense issues of course, but in a textbook way. He is a street politician who has walked the streets of the planet. http://www.newsweek.com/id/154863/page/2 Before heading to the convention, OBAMA and Biden are expected to make appearances in a series of critical states, arriving in Denver on Wednesday. Obama's vice presidential choice is slated to speak that night and OBAMA will address his supporters on Thursday in a football stadium that can seat 76,000 people. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-biden23-2008aug23,0,7564344.story?page=2

Posted Here by Terry Bankert 8/23/08 http://attorneybankert.com/

Sphere: Related Content

Friday, August 22, 2008

Starvation, revolution, fuel and a king plus more....

GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
This a summary of the last weeks post you can find below
by Terry Bankert
08/23/2008 ,
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/

*****
The Following is our week in review of the presentations of “Good Morning Flint”

BANKERT RADIO/VIDEO (a.m. and internet) 08/23/08, On Saturdays I do 2 live radio shows. You can participate by calling: 1-810- 730-6427

CALL THIS NUMBER AND YOU WILL BE TALKING TO THE WORLD. 1-810-730-6427
*****

The first program is on WFLT 1420 Am radio. This station is the premier Gospel Station in Flint MI.

There are several secular shows on Saturday morning.

9 AM/9AM/9AM............ 08/23/08 WFLT FLINT AM RADIO 1420 A.M. 9 AM - 9:30

Your family law questions are answered on this show

This is a call in program the station number is 1-810-239-5733

Today’s topic; RELIGION, CHILDREN AND PARENTING TIME RIGHTS

Full text at http://terrybankert.blogspot.com/

__________________________

I then drive to anothe site for Live Internet Radio/audio/podcast that begins at 10 AM.

This studio is the work of Steve Meyers and John Wilson.

Steve Meyers owns Flint Talk .COM the best internet discussion board in the Flint Area .

I use it to post my daily blog. “ Good Morning Flint”

TODAYS "LIVE AND LIBERAL "
08/23/0 10 AM....10 AM- 11 AM

You can watch it live. We are still learning and I try not to pick my nose or make weird faces. It’s a struggle. *** You can watch the live presentation here

*****
http://www.flinttalkradio.com/listen.html
*****
Terry Bankerts page

*** **
RECORDING OF TODAYS LIVE AND LIBERAL GOOD MORNING FLINT , week in review it will be placed here later [right here]

This is last weeks
*****
http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=180550767 __________________________

10AM/10AM/10AM LIBERAL AND LIVE-

Saturday 10 am till 11 am.
Terry Bankert on Flint Talk radio/video
http://www.flinttalkradio.com/listen.html

GOOD MORNING FLINT A WEEK IN REVIEW read the blogs at http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/

***8/18/08- KUNSTLER, KING AND BIOFUEL The King of Sweden is coming to Flint Michigan.
What a great event for us. If this project is pulled off kudos to everyone involved. The King of Sweden.

Hey King this is an open invitation to appear on my show!

What I talked about in this blog was how do we organize ourselve for change.Who to trust, who to listen to?..No one and every one. Listen to everyone but only trust your researched instincts. Our world is changing. How can the natives of Flint MI USA prosper wherever they are? Listen to the howling winds of change, do your home work trust your instincts and go forth....Todays holwing wind is James Howard Kunstler cited below from which, for the purpose of motivation ,I will borrow from his pages 235-239. I then had an discussion with the wrods from Kunstler book. Crossing my fingers about fair use..lawyer stuff.

***8/19/08 With the topic of population I continued my discussion with the words of Kunstler. The article was titled KUNSTLER, too many people, too little food, too little oil!
BANKERT Q: When will there be too many people on the planet? How does this number affect out lives?
KUNSTLER: “ It has been estimated that the world population stood at about one billion around the early 1980's, which is roughly about when the industrial adventure began to gain traction....World population is now past 6.5. billion...”[1 at pg 6]
BANKERT Q: Will the increase in population result in an inability to feed ourselves?
MALTHUS: (1766-1834), an English country clergy man educated at Cambridge....proposed that the human population if unconstrained, would grow exponentially while food supplies grew only arithmetically, and therefore population growth faced strict and inevitable natural results. [1 at 6] BANKERT Q: How can this be true, until recently we have had plenty of food?
KUNSTLER: Malthus was certainly correct but cheap oil has skewed the equation over the past hundred years while the human race has enjoyed an unprecedented orgy of nonrenewable condensed solar energy accumulated over eons of prehistory.....The cheap oil created an artificial bubble of plentitude for a period non much longer than a human life time, a hundred years.[1 at 7]


8/20/08 My perspective is bad leaders with indiscriminate followers perish, politically. We have seen this happen with Blair and Musharraf the two major Bush allies. They are gone. But for term limits Bush would be thrown out also. What we will destroy in November is his legacy by defeating John McCain. ..........Go Obama.

THE FORCES OF ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST GOT BLAIR AND NOW MUSHARRAF
In my REFLECTIONS the first thought was a tune "another one bites the dust," Musharraf, I theng wrote around Queens lyrics. My friends politey tolerate these digressions.: Hey are you ready for this...are you sitting on the edge of your seat...and another one bites the dust....well......I’ll keep my day job

8/21/08 My humble opinion was one of politically corrrect revolution and I made A CALL FOR A MICHIGAN CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
* * * * *
REFLECTIONS: Judicial activism is alive and well in the conservative Michigan High Court.

What Michigan needs is progressive/liberal judges in Michigans two high courts.

To do so we must begin to cultivate activist lawyers around the state to run for judicial office and create a viable farm team of candidates for the party’s highest Convention nominees for these offices.

Michigan voters lost a great opportunity to make Michigan a better place to live.

But what was accomplished was a state wide coalition in support of the 34 mandates included in the Convention amendment proposal.

The status quo may feel victorious but the battle has only begun I have found in this issue how courageous and progressive Mark Brewer is..

WHO EVER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PUTS UP TO CHALLENGE THE HIGH COURT IN NOVEMBER MUST BE COMMITTED TO CHANGE AND VOCAL ON THIS ISSUE[trb]

This is the post that seems somehow to have over 3,000 hits ....probably a mad cow like search engine...beyond me.

That was the week, these can be found on Flint Talk .com or my blog Good Morning Flint.

On my live internet radio show “ Live and Liberal I will talk of these in greater detail.

Terry Bankert 8/23/08 Your humble servant.............

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Terry Bankert is facilitating this blog for State Representative Lee Gonzales who will post regularly to Flint Talk During the convention here. at http://flinttalk.com/

The Lee Gonzales Convention blogg site is at, http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/

WATCH FOR IT

Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/23/08, full article and cites at link above

= = = = = FLINT PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION local gasoline prices http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/feature?section=resources/traffic&id=5767026

REAL WEATHER HELP YOU CAN GET TO EASY AND DEPEND ON RE: FLINT http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?rid=dtx&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no

For more on alternative Energy: http://energyalternativesadvisor.blogspot.com/

Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/

You are invited to join me at Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362

Just for kicks ___________________________

JOIN THE OBAMA MOVEMENT http://www.barackobama.com/splash/donate/donate.html *****

EQUAL TIME TO THE WORTHY OPPONENT! http://howinsaneisjohnmccain.blogspot.com/ 80108

Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, August 21, 2008

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION CALLED FOR AND NEEDED

A CALL FOR A MICHIGAN CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

*****

GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/21/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/ ,
full article with citations posted,
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/ ,
Summary for discussion at Flint Talk thread Good Morning Flint: http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34511#34511
* * * * *

REFLECTIONS: Judicial activism is alive and well in the conservative Michigan High Court. What Michigan needs is progressive/liberal judges in Michigan two high courts. To do so we must begin to cultivate activist lawyers around the state to run for judicial office and create a viable farm team of candidate for the party’s highest Convention nominees for these offices. Michigan voters lost a great opportunity to make Michigan a better place to live. But was accomplished was a state wide coalition in support of the 34 mandates included in the Convention amendment proposal. The status quo may feel victorious but the battle has only begun I have found in this issue how courageous and progressive Mark Brewer is..WHO EVER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PUTS UP TO CHALLENGE THE HIGH COURT IN NOVEMBER MUST BE COMMITTED TO CHANGE AND VOCAL ON THIS ISSUE[trb]
******

A three judge panel decided late Wednesday that a proposal...Reform Michigan Government Now).... of that magnitude needs to be submitted to a constitutional convention first and then to citizens for approval.[3]

ACTIVIST CONSERVATIVE COURT STOPS THE PEOPLES INITIATIVE Regardless of how we all feel about RMGN, we've got to admit that this decision is unprecedented and is an example of an activist court, something conservatives often complain about when it doesn't favor them. [7 in comment]

MICHIGAN NEEDS ACTIVE VOCAL PROGRESSIVE CANDIDATES FOR ALL COURTS In Michigan we must develop a group of democratic lawyer who stand ready to run for the court at all levels. Lawyers with a local base and earned state name identification will benefit the party and the voter by breaking the current conservative block. I am looking for loud and proud candidates this fall. Reform thwarted from the outside must now come from the inside of the court. Count me in for this battle.[trb]

MICHIGAN REFORMS STOPPED BY REPUBLICAN JUDGES..HOW DO WE STOP THIS NEXT TIME A sweeping proposal led by Michigan Democrats and labor unions to rewrite much of the Michigan Constitution appears dead after a court ruling Wednesday.[1] Our constitution sets NO LIMITS as to how much of it may be changed through a petition initiative. The Court of Appeals ignored our constitution, and made defacto amendments themselves without a vote of the people. We all lost in that decision. The status quo has won. Its a very sad day for Michigan.[7 IN COMMENT]

HERE IS WHAT YOU LOST YESTERDAY Pay for lawmakers, legislators and other elected officials including the governor would be cut under the proposal. The size of the state Legislature would shrink, and a commission would be set up to establish new boundaries for House and Senate districts. State courts couldn't review the districts.[2] RMGN's proposal includes: Reducing the salaries of all legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state by 25 percent, as well as reducing the salaries of justices and judges by 15 percent. [5] Limiting retirement benefits for all those elected officials to no more than what retired state employees receive. [5] Requiring all legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and justices and judges to disclose their incomes, assets, as well as the incomes as assets of their spouses. [5] Banning all legislators and top government officials from lobbying for two years after they leave office. [5] RMGN! ..( Reform Michigan Government Now).. actually had some good ideas — automatic absentee voting and shrinking the Legislature among them —[3]

PROTECTED PERKS FROM A .... Dianne Byrum, a spokeswoman for the Reform Michigan Government Now proposal, said her group will appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court in an effort to get on the ballot.[2] "This is a travesty of justice," Byrum said of the court of appeals ruling. "The judges have shown they will do anything to protect the status quo and their perks."[2]

WE HAVE A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF WHY JUDICIAL REFORM IS NEEDED A unanimous three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals said the proposal for the November ballot was an illegal attempt to enact a general revision of the state constitution.[1]

WE ARE IN DESPERATE TIMES, SOME ARE UNRESPONSIVE The number and scope of the proposed changes contained in the Reform Michigan Government Now! plan are "overarching" and unprecedented in Michigan's long history, the court found. In all likelihood, the ruling ends the campaign's chance to put the proposal before voters Nov. 4.[1]

STATE DEMOCRATS FIGHTING FOR VOTERS THWARTED BY REPUBLICANS The reform proposal sought changes in much of Michigan's government and political structure. Among other things, it called for cutting pay for elected officials, reducing the size of the Legislature and appellate judiciary and creating an ostensibly nonpartisan entity to draw legislative district lines.[1] No Democrats would have been among the nine judges, including two Supreme Court justices, to lose their jobs.[1]

THE THOUSANDS OF HOURS WASTED. The court ordered a state elections panel scheduled to meet today to deny certification for petition signatures the reform group submitted that would have qualified it for the ballot.[1] "The voters have spoken loud and clear – with nearly 500,000 signatures and 70 percent approval ratings, voters strongly support this proposal," said Brewer. "The voters are also very clear that Taylor and his colleagues should not obstruct their right to vote on this proposal."[5]

BRYRUM, designer OF THWARTED PLAN WILL APPEAL Reform Michigan Government Now! spokeswoman Dianne Byrum called the decision a "travesty of justice" by judges who "have shown they will do anything to protect the status quo and their perks." The decision will be appealed, she said.[1]

THE USUAL SUSPECTS STICK TOGETHER Robert LaBrant, vice president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and organizer of reform opponents, said the court correctly found the proposal was not an amendment but a write of the constitution.[1] The opposition group includes the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which has strongly supported Republican justices on the Michigan Supreme Court.[2]

DEMOCRATS HAVE CREATED A BROAD BASED COALITION TO CHANGE 34 ISSUES The opposition group Citizens Protecting Michigan's Constitution estimated the proposal would create 34 constitutional mandates, adding 7,000 words to the existing document and affecting sections containing another 19,000.[1]

BEST LAID PLANS OF DONKEYS AND COMMON VOTERS LaBrant said it was a transparent attempt by top state Democrats to sell voters a wish list of partisan changes, with the populist appeal of pay cuts and reducing government.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ; SPOKESPERSON FOR THE APPELLATE COURT? "If they wanted to do this legally, they could have come up with eight different proposed amendments," LaBrant said. But state Democratic Party Chairman "Mark Brewer held a constitutional convention in his basement instead and came up with this."[1]

415,00 MICHIGAN VOTERS DENIED The proposal was widely reported to have been the brainchild of Brewer and top officials in state labor unions. But they never acknowledged authorship, and Byrum declined to discuss who wrote the plan or paid for the $1.5-million campaign to collect signatures.[1] State elections officials estimated the group collected about 415,000 valid signatures, enough to qualify for the ballot absent the court order.[1] The judges who participated in Wednesday's decision, Chief Judge William Whitbeck and Judges Patrick Meter and Bill Schuette, said they expressed no opinion about whether any of the proposed changes were good or bad.[1] Their decision was aimed only at the issue of whether the proposal met constitutional standards for an amendment, the court said.[1] "The people deserve to vote on this proposal that downsizes and streamlines government," said Brewer. "Any attempt by Taylor to selfishly block this proposal from the ballot would be a case of him unethically putting his personal interests ahead of the rights of voters. The voters will hold him accountable for that unethical conduct this fall."[5] And they decided it did not.[1] There is talk that the RMGN folks may appeal to the federal courts, based largely on the argument that all Michigan judges should be recluse from ruling on RMGN since it cuts there pay and may end their jobs. In other words, this was the opening battle, not the end of the war.[6] Conventional wisdom is that the Supreme Court will decline to hear an appeal thus letting Cliff Taylor off the hook. [7] The ruling would appear to create a precedent that would prevent future multi-section amendments to the Michigan Constitution through ballot measures. [7] Now stayed tuned for the inter-party and intra-party ramifications of the ruling and whether the story plays outside of Lansing.[7]

WHO EVER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PUTS UP TO CHALLENGE THE HIGH COURT IN NOVEMBER MUST BE COMMITTED TO CHANGE AND VOCAL ON THIS ISSUE

-E- Posted Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/21/08

For more on alternative Energy: http://energyalternativesadvisor.blogspot.com/

Lee Gonzales convention blog at http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/

Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/

–sources-
[1] http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/NEWS06/808210342
[2] http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/politics-1/1219271650261900.xml&storylist=newsmichigan
[3] http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/BLOG25/80820071/1068/opinion
[4] http://www.weyi.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=178008
[5] http://www.michigandems.com/newsroom.php?id=59
[6] http://www.westmichiganrising.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=649
[7] http://www.michiganliberal.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=13253

[TRB] Comments of Terry Bankert to include unattributed cap headlines
76005/17260

Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

AND ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

THE FORCES OF ACCOUNTABILITY FIRST GOT BLAIR AND NOW MUSHARRAF

*****
GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/20/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/ ,
full article with citations posted,
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/ ,
Summary for discussion at Flint Talk thread Good Morning Flint: http://www.flinttalk.com/viewforum.php?f=2
* * * * * REFLECTIONS:
Hey are you ready for this...are you sitting on the edge of your seat...TWO DOWN and McCain to go....
*******
MCCAIN YOUR NEXT.....BAD LEADERS AND POOR DECISIONS..NO MORE The Pakistan rupee weakened on Wednesday as investors turned their focus to Pakistan's sickly economy amid growing uncertainty the coalition government can rule effectively after President Pervez Musharraf resigned. [1]

BUSH MUST PROECT HIS BUDDIES The United States will consider providing former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf with asylum if he asks, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said here Tuesday. [4]

POLITICAL DISRUPTION CREATES VOTER UNCERTAINTY Our future is uncertain and scary. Without him we will fear for our safety because the politicians who have been in power for the past few months do not inspire any confidence when it comes to our security.[3] But Pakistan is facing many problems at the moment because of him and the economy is declining day-by-day because of his wrong policies.[3]

BLAIR HAD A PARLIAMENT, MUSHARRAF HIS DICTATORSHIP BUT WERE GOT OUR QUEEN Are you ready, hey, are you ready for this Are you hangin' on the edge of your seat Out of the doorway the bullets rip To the sound of the beat - yeah[2]

FIRST WE GOT BLAIR THEN MUSHARRAF...WHO ELSE SUPPORTED BUSH?..OH YEA MCCAIN Another one bites the dust Another one bites the dust And another one gone and another one gone Another one bites the dust, ehHey, I'm gonna get you too Another one bites the dust[2] Pakistan's former leader Pervez Musharraf resigned yesterday in an emotional address to the nation ahead of impeachment proceedings brought by the country's newly-resurgent Parliament. Musharraf dominated Pakistani politics for almost a decade and strode the world stage as one of the U.S.'s chief regional allies in the war against terrorism. However the euphoria expressed at the ousting of the one time strongman was tempered with the knowledge that Islamabad is likely to face a protracted power struggle to fill the vacuum.[4]

WHEN THE LEADER FALLS THE COUNTRY SUFFERS The rupee ended trade at 74.80/90, compared to Tuesday's close of around 74.53/60. The currency has lost over a fifth of its value against the dollar this year. [1] One of the reasons for the collapse of Musharraf's reputation was a failing economy, battered by capital flight, rapidly falling foreign-exchange reserves and soaring inflation, now at 21 per cent. People struggle to pay for flour and fuel. The entire country suffers from prolonged power failures, which, according to the International Monetary Fund, can be attributed largely to the failure of the Musharraf government to build power plants.[4] How do you think I'm going to get along Without you when you're gone You took me for everything that I had And kicked me out on my own[2]

WASTED DISTRACTION THAT HURTS THREE WARRIOR'S NATION ECONOMIES Investors said the deadlock between the two main coalition parties over the restoration of deposed judges was dashing hopes the government will focus on reviving Pakistan's economy and not be distracted by politics after Musharraf's resignation. [1] Pakistan's ruling coalition parties on Aug. 7 announced that they would launch an impeachment against the president. The speculation about Musharraf's resignation has mounted since then. [5] "The political situation is not helping the foreign exchange market," said a trader who declined to be named. "The underlying economy is not great either." [1] Are you happy ? Are you satisfied ? How long can you stand the heat Out of the doorway the bullets rip To the sound of the beat

OTHERS TASKED WITH REBUILDING THE MESS THESE 3 MUSKETEERS MADE, NO MERCY FOR THEIR MINIONS "Unless you get a balance of payments solution, I don't see anything else but further weakening for the rupee ahead," he said. [1] After six years of healthy growth under Musharraf's rule, Pakistan's economy is struggling with widening trade and fiscal deficits, soaring inflation, and falling foreign exchange reserves depleted by high oil prices. [1] Another one bites the dust Another one bites the dust And another one gone and another one gone Another one bites the dust, eh Hey, I'm gonna get you too Another one bites the dust[2]

PEOPLE ARE RESILIENT AND WILL PROSPER UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP..GO OBAMA Pakistan's central bank is set to announce later this week the size of the country's current account deficit in July. [1] Pakistan's stocks also fell more over 3 percent on Wednesday as investors began to lose hope for an end to political tension. [1] The two coalition parties are squabbling over whether to restore the judges ousted by Musharraf last year. [1] Hey Another one bites the dust Another one bites the dust, ow Another one bites the dust, hey hey Another one bites the dust, heeey Ooh show down[2] At the Iraq war corral[trb] In the money market, Pakistan's short-term money rates were flat on Wednesday as liquidity in the market stayed tight, traders said. [1] They said the next inflow of funds into the market was due on August 27 when the central bank settles an auction of 67.5 billion rupees ($902.3 million) worth of Treasury bills. [1]

BATTERED WAR PROTESTORS ARE RETURNING..WITH VENGENCE You can treat him bad and leave him When he's down, yeah But I'm ready, yes I'm ready for you I'm standing on my own two feet Out of the doorway the bullets rip Repeating to the sound of the beat Oh yeah[2]

THREE COUNTRIES WILL REBUILD...BENT BUT NOT BROKEN..GET THE TROOPS OUT... Overnight call rates ended at 12.9 percent, unchanged from the previous closing level, two traders said[1]jUST WHAT IS THE PRICE OF GAS TODAY?[TRB] Another one bites the dust Another one bites the dust And another one gone and another one gone Another one bites the dust, yeah Hey, I'm gonna get you too Another one bites the dust


-E- Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/20/08 For more on alternative Energy: 1 http://energyalternativesadvisor.blogspot.com/ Lee Gonzales convention blog at http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34446#34446 http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/ Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/ —SOURCES [1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7738744 [2] http://www.queenwords.com/lyrics/songs/sng11_02.shtml [3] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7568952.stm [4] http://www.monstersandcritics.com/blogs/globaleye/2008/08/musharraf-exits-the-pakistani.php [5] http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/20/content_9529434.htm [TRB] Comments of Terry Bnakert and Unattributed Cap headlines http://attorneybankert.com/ 75430

Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

LEE GONZALES DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION BLOG

LEE GONZALES DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION BLOG **********************************************
The Democratic nomination of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States is just afew days away!

To have the chance to represent local Democrats at the Democratic National Convention is exhilarating and humbling. Highly thought-provoking is another way of describing what I'm feeling in preparation to do my best as a convention delegate.

We are witnessing an unprecedented transformation of American politics, along with a realignment of the electorate in the quest for the Presidency. The results of Nov. 4 will be a defining moment for our nation.

Through this BLOG I plan to provide daily updates on a delegate's role and other convention happenings. I recognize the value of this opportunity to dialogue and work with Democrats from all walks of life. We all view the world though many lenses and individual experiences. In my case, I'm a son, husband, father, grandfather, proud of my family, university graduate, a prideful American & patriot, proud of my ethnic heritage and an elected state representative.

Because of these motivations, I am very passionate about serving our community and moving it forward. Historian David McCullough eloquently observes in the following passage about our nation’s history, "The American experiment was from its start an unfulfilled promise. There was much work to be done. There were glaring flaws to correct, unfinished business to attend to. Improvements and necessary adjustments to devise in order to keep pace with the onrush of growth and change and expanding opportunities."

From my perspective, this is why the 2008 Democratic National Convention is so vitally important because it is an essential component of the course of human events in our great nation. So please stay tuned and share your thoughts.

LEE 8/19/08 http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34446 http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
77/1071
DISTRIBUTED TO
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flintcitizen/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/child_neglect_abuse/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362

Sphere: Related Content

KUNSTLER, too many people, too little food, too little oil, too little time!

KUNSTLER, too many people, too little food, too little oil!

GOOD MORNING FLINT MI USA!,
Posted by Terry Bankert 8/19/08

BANKERT Q: When will there be too many people on the planet? How does this number affect out lives?

KUNSTLER: “ It has been estimated that the world population stood at about one billion around the early 1980's, which is roughly about when the industrial adventure began to gain traction....World population is now past 6.5. billion...”[1 at pg 6]

BANKERT Q: Will the increase in population result in an inability to feed ourselves?

MALTHUS: (1766-1834), an English country clergy man educated at Cambridge....proposed that the human population if unconstrained, would grow exponentially while food supplies grew only arithmetically, and therefore population growth faced strict and inevitable natural results. [1 at 6]

BANKERT Q: How can this be true, until recently we have had plenty of food?

KUNSTLER: Malthus was certainly correct but cheap oil has skewed the equation over the past hundred years while the human race has enjoyed an unprecedented orgy of nonrenewable condensed solar energy accumulated over eons of prehistory.....The cheap oil created an artificial bubble of plentitude for a period non much longer than a human life time, a hundred years.[1 at 7]

BANKERT Q: If oil is fundamental to food production, availability and cost and the supply of oil is diminishing as demand rises moving resources away from food production what will happen to us?

KUNSTLER: ...that as oil ceases to be cheap and the world reserves arc toward depletion, we will indeed suddenly be left with an enormous surplus population.....that the ecology of the earth will not support.[1 at 7]

BANKERT: These time they are a changing. Of course we will react to diminished oil and the increase in food costs by changing our farming techniques, become more local, and seeking out alternative fuel. Our community should recognized the importance of new ideas and support the leaders who bring them. We have local leaders bringing a Swedish King and a BIOFUEL project to Flint MI.....Thank them!

posted here by Terry Bankert 8/19/08
http://attorneybankert.com/

SOURCE: [1]James Howard Kunstler, The Long Emergency, Grove Press NY, 2005 http://www.kunstler.com/bio.html 75152/17196

Sphere: Related Content

Monday, August 18, 2008

KUNSTLER, KINGS AND BIOFUEL

GOOD MORNING FLINT MI USA!,
Posted by Terry Bankert 8/16/08

KUNSTLER, KINGS AND BIOFUEL

Who to trust, who to listen to?..No one and every one.

Listen to everyone but only trust your researched instincts.

Our world is changing. How can the natives of Flint MI USA prosper wherever they are? Listen to the howling winds of change, do your home work trust your instincts and go forth....Todays holwing wind is James Howard Kunstler cited below from which, for the purpose of motivation ,I will borrow from his pages 235-239.

My town Flint MI is a rusting industrial Giant crushed to its knees. Our major employer has knocked down plants while its stock is reduced to junk. No one seem to know what will become of my town.

I still live there dug in deep. What of its people." For the moment , they seem to get along scrounging a living off the fumes of the cheap-oil economy. They drive distances on well maintaines state and county roads to low paying wages elsewhere- running forklifts in the Target regional warhouse ....being cashiers at the Walmart...perhaps frying hamburgs..."[235]

As I look aroung my towns seeds of hope are here. Hard working people with vision on task. And what a task lays before us. I look at the homes and other buildings.

" I found myself calculating how each establishment along the road might function in the post-cheap-oil and gas world. As I did, I realized that practically non of this would work the way it has been working, if at all. Without cheap gas, how would any of the denizens of these houses ..[be able].. to drive .. to get a job or fetch groceries?" [236]

Alreadty it is too expensive for parents working two jobs to drive any significant distance just to work a couple of hours. Combine the cost of fuel for the car and the babysitter for children the profit of the day is lost. Still no money for food or to build a future for our children.

What do we do? We are no alone in our crushing dependence on oil. " What would the people in the suburban buzzard flats of Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles do when the age of cheap oil and natural gas was over?

What will this world be like and what will happen to the people of the United States ?" [237]

Well the time of cheap oil is past and the "what will happen" is the "what is happening?"

We need alternative energy.

Soon a Swedish King is coming to Flint MI USA to promote a BIOFUEL ventuer with the powers to be, Universities Mayors Legislators, State and Federal, and a Governor.

The Flint Community must stand ready to help make this happen.

posted here by
Terry Bankert 8/18/08
http://attorneybankert.com/

SOURCE:James Howard Kunstler, The Long Emergency, Grove Press NY, 2005
http://www.kunstler.com/bio.html

Sphere: Related Content

Friday, August 15, 2008

Week in review-Good Morning Flint 8/15/08

GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=33781#33781
by Terry Bankert 08/16/2008 ,

*****BANKERT RADIO/VIDEO (a.m. and internet) 08/16/08,
A WEEK IN REVIEW 2 live radio shows you can call into....1-810-235-1970 ..

CALL THIS NUMBER AND YOU WILL BE TALKING TO THE WORLD.
1-810-235-1970
*****
TODAYS LIVE AND LIBERAL 08/16/0
10 AM....10 AM- 11 AM
***
You can watch the live presentation here*****http://www.flinttalkradio.com/listen.html Terry Bankerts page ***

**RECORDING OF TODAYS LIVE AND LIBERAL
Once it is recorded will be here. This is last weeks
***** http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=180435017 ________________________

9 AM/9AM/9AM............ 08/15/08 WFLT FLINT AM RADIO 1420 A.M. 9 AM -

Your family law questions This is a call in program 1-810-239-5733 today’s topic; GRAND PARENTS WIN CUSTODY OVER PARENTS
Full text at http://terrybankert.blogspot.com/
__________________________

10AM/10AM/10AM LIBERAL AND LIVE- Saturday 10 am till 11 am.
Terry Bankert on Flint Talk radio/video
http://www.flinttalkradio.com/listen.html

GOOD MORNING FLINT A WEEK IN REVIEW
08/15/08- McCain is a really dangerous man.
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2008/08/mccain-really-dangerous-man.html

08/14/08-Off Shore Drilling not a drop in the bucket
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2008/08/off-shore-drilling-not-drop-in-their.html

08/13/04- You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2008/08/you-have-to-break-couple-of-eggs-to.html

08/12/08 Will Your Grand Children face Starvation
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2008/08/will-your-grandchildrens-children-face.html

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -
Terry Bankert is facilitating this blog for State Representative Lee Gonzales who will post regularly to Flint Talk During the convention here. at
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?p=34184#34184

The Lee Gonzales Convention blogg site is at,
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
This thread is under construction. Thank You Steve Meyers for permission.
WATCH FOR IT
Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/14/08, full article and cites at link above
= = = = = FLINT PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION

local gasoline prices http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/feature?section=resources/traffic&id=5767026
REAL WEATHER HELP YOU CAN GET TO EASY AND DEPEND ON RE: FLINT http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?rid=dtx&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no

For more on alternative Energy: http://energyalternativesadvisor.blogspot.com/

Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/ You are invited to join me at Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362 ___________________________

JOIN THE OBAMA MOVEMENT http://www.barackobama.com/splash/donate/donate.html *****

EQUAL TIME TO THE WORTHY OPPONENT! http://howinsaneisjohnmccain.blogspot.com/

74000/17077

Sphere: Related Content

McCain a really dangerous man!

McCain. "He’s even dangerous, I think, for the direction of this country."[5]

*****
GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/15/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/ , full article with citations posted, http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/ ,
Summary for discussion at Flint Talk thread Good Morning Flint: http://www.flinttalk.com/viewforum.php?f=2
* * * * *

REFLECTIONS

It is a reawaking that this is a strong vibrant country that welcomes and will publicly debate and allow presentation of competing policy positions. Protesting at a national political party convention is one form of expression. Of course we cannot allow property damage and violence because that protects the rights of individual.
FREE SPEECH IS NEVER HANDED TO YOU, YOU HAVE TO REACH OUT AND GRAB IT-trb
*****

IT IS A WONDROUS THING TO WATCH THE VOTERS TAKE BACK AMERICA FROM THE RIGHT WING INTEREST THAT HAVE SUBJECTED US FOR SO LONG.

Thousands of protesters are expected to jam the streets of Denver and St. Paul at the Republican and Democratic conventions in a noisy counterpoint to the parties' carefully scripted speeches.[1]This is what a convention is about. The political parties as a living breathing entity only exist at Convention.[trb]

REGULAR CITIZENS WILL INSIST ON HAVING THEIR SAY AT CONVENTION

In St. Paul, where http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/johnmccainJohn McCain will accept the Republican nomination early next month, anti-war and anti-abortion activists could be joined in the streets by off-duty cops picketing for higher pay, while self-described anarchists aim to paralyze the city.[1] Anarchist another right wing media word to confuse us. Do not be confused. In this country, you ,I , and they have a right to voice our opinions through protest anytime we want.[trb]

THE ANARCHIST ARE REALLY THE INDEPENDANTS EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

The candidates are in a dead heat among independent voters - - one-third of the electorate -- with 12 percent favoring Obama, 11 percent backing McCain and 10 percent undecided, according to the poll. [4]

ANOTHER CITY WITH HYSTERICAL COUNCIL PEOPLE.

In Denver, where http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/barackobama Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination later this month, the City Council recently outlawed the possession of "noxious substances" after a councilman warned that activists could use buckets of urine or feces against police.[1]

ONE MANS WASTE IS ANOTHER MANS GOOD POLICY

Activists say their plans don't involve human waste.[1]

THIS ORDINANCE SHOULD BE FLUSHED

"The intent of this ordinance is to smear protesters and make them appear as if they're somehow criminal," organizer Glenn Spagnuolo said at a recent council hearing [1]

DA........
U.S. presidential nominating conventions historically have drawn activists of every stripe who hope to confront the political establishment and elbow their way into the media spotlight. The 2004 Republican convention in New York attracted more than 100,000 demonstrators.[1]

WHAT A GREAT MONTH TO BE AN AMERICAN
The FBI officials in each city said they are unaware of any specific, credible security threats this year. The street protests are expected to be largely peaceful, though the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota expects 800 arrests in St. Paul, most for minor infractions during an anti-war march that could draw between 30,000 and 60,000.[1] The voters are taking this country back.[trb]
Still, they will pose an additional challenge for security officials who will also have to protect senators, governors, President George W. Bush and thousands of other political bigwigs, along with the actual nominees for the November election.[1]
St. Paul's 600-member police force will swell to 3,500 for the convention, police spokesman Tom Walsh said. Denver's police force of 1,400 will also receive reinforcements from around the region. Both cities have received $50 million each in federal funds to pay for overtime, training and equipment like surveillance cameras.[1]
Federal agencies have been planning for the events since 2007, Secret Service spokesman Malcolm Wiley said.[1]
The Secret Service won't have a problem securing Invesco Field, the open-air football stadium where Obama will accept the nomination, Wiley said, as the agency handled Pope Benedict's two April masses at baseball fields in New York and Washington, as well as Bush's appearances at baseball games.[1]
"Whereas it's a new venue it's not a new challenge for us," Wiley said.[1]

NOW HERE IS THE REAL WANNABEE ANARCHIST
The plan, dubbed "John McCain and American Innovation," is set to be released Thursday on the Republican presidential candidate's campaign Web site. It will call for a 10% tax credit on wages paid to all research-and-development employees. At the same time, it will reiterate Sen. McCain's opposition to Internet taxes and new laws guaranteeing net neutrality, the idea that Internet providers must treat all legal Internet traffic equally.[2]
At a fund-raise for Sen. Barack Obama, recently in Boston, Mass., Sen. John Kerry had some harsh words for Sen. John McCain. "The bottom line is, this administration has moved towards Barack Abomey’s positions. John McCain is still stuck on the low road express," Kerry said, referring to U.S. policy shifts regarding Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea. "He doesn’t get it," Kerry said of McCain. "He’s even dangerous, I think, for the direction of this country."[5]

NOW HERE ARE THE HAS BEEN ANARCHIST
Pastor Rick Warren is hosting a town hall meeting with both John McCain and Barack Obama this Saturday night. It should be pretty compelling TV. There's been lots in the media in recent months about how Evangelicals, the most reliable bloc in the Republican coalition, are breaking up, with many of them moving toward Barack Obama.....http://www.getreligion.org/?p=3722 [3]

NOW HERE IS A REAL LEADER

Sen. Obama's plan, released last year, emphasized issues important to organized labor and Democratic activists, such as pressing for media-ownership diversity, ensuring an open Internet and encouraging affordable Internet access.[2]

AIRSPACE RESTRICTED [1]
Airspace around Denver will be restricted and the interstate that runs by the stadium may be closed, he said.[1]
Others see possible problems.[1]

CHARLIE BROWN...HE’S A CLOWN..ANOTHER ANARCHIST ELBOWING INTO MEDIA ATTENTION
"It could be a real nightmare to get 76,000 people into Invesco Field," said Denver City Council member Charlie Brown. "Do we close the interstate or will the protesters? That's a very big issue."[1]

FREE SPEECH IS NEVER HANDED TO YOU, YOU HAVE TO REACH OUT AND GRAB IT
Protest organizers have also been sparring in court with local officials over when and where they'll be able to rally. Both cities have laid out march routes and designated "free speech zones" near the convention halls, and both cities will provide a stage and sound system for protesters.[1]
But some have vowed to ignore these restrictions.[1]

HERE’S THAT BIG WORD AGAIN
In St. Paul, a self-described anarchist group dubbed the RBC Welcoming Committee aims to blockade downtown St. Paul and bridges and disrupt transportation shuttles.[1]
In Denver, anarchist groups plan to target fund-raisers and hotels where Democratic delegates are staying.[1]

VIOLENCE CANNOT BE TOLERATED!
Groups espousing similar tactics have managed to wreak havoc at other events, most notably the 1999 meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle, where protesters smashed store windows, set fires and caused an estimated $2 million in property damage.[1]
"These noises do need to be taken seriously," said Norm Stamper, Seattle's police chief at the time.[1]

A CONSERVATIVE DEFINITION OF AND ANARCHIST IS , LIBERAL
"If you identify the anarchists early and they engage in criminal behavior, snatch them up right now," he said. "The further you delay the more damage they can do to the process of legitimate protest."[1]

-e-
Posted here by
Terry Bankert 8/15/08


—sources
[1]
Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN1250765520080815
[2]
The Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121867827436739337.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
[3]
The Dallas News
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/the-myth-that-e.html
[4]
Bloomberg.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a2a6sDNyBOuw&refer=home
[5]
The Kansas City Star
http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/747223.html
[TRB]
Comments of Terry Bankert to include unattributed CAP headlines
http://attorneybankert.com/
* * * * *
For more on alternative Energy:
Also see Blogging for Michigan:
http://bloggingformichigan.com/
*****
= = = = =
FLINT PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND INFORMATION
_________
LOCAL FLINT AREA GASOLINE PRICES
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/feature?section=resources/traffic&id=5767026
FAMILY LAW QUESTIONS, DIVORCE, CUSTODY, SUPPORT AND PARENTING TIME http://attorneybankert.com/
= = = = =
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN A FLINT NETWORK ON FACE BOOK http://www.facebook.com/people/Terry_Bankert/645845362
= = = = =
FOR PRESIDENT :
BEST CHOICE- http://www.barackobama.com/splash/donate/donate.html
WORST CHOICE- http://howinsaneisjohnmccain.blogspot.com/
__________



73892/17049

Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, August 14, 2008

OFF SHORE DRILLING NOT A DROP IN THEIR BUCKET!

Our Drop, Their Bucket [1]

McCain is confused again...

*****
GOOD MORNING FLINT ,
by Terry Bankert 08/14/2008 ,
http://attorneybankert.com/ ,
full article with citations posted,
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/ ,
Summary,REFLECTIONS for discussion at Flint Talk thread Good Morning Flint: http://www.flinttalk.com/viewforum.php?f=2
* * * * *
REFLECTIONS:

Your elected will not make alternative fuel a priority unless you force them through political pressure. Democrats in Congress are offering a compromise to break the congressional grid lock and cause some positive action. You need to keep your eyes on them. Scream at your congressman or woman when you see them, anywhere any time any place until they make alternative energy a priority. Most in Congress do not know or cannot act on the fact that this country needs alternative fuel as a policy priority.For congress to act compromise is necessary, it’s a fact of life. Watch closely to see what is traded off. We must force a shift to alternative fuel. The price of gas must go higher to cause an energy supply shift. Off shore drilling is insignificant unless its in your back yard. The wind, sun and nukes belong to us, why not use them.Denmark gets 20% of its energy from the wind. I would not have expected that from a bunch of dumb blondes. I am starting to think Pickens is on to something.All our country needs....is the political will.....[Terry Bankert 8/14/08]
*****

All of us have felt the sting of high fuel costs over the last year. But what are our politicians doing to fix the problem ...?[3]

Your elected will not make alternative fuel a priority unless you force them through political pressure. Call me I will tell you how.[trb]

Ever since McCain switched—dare I say flip-flopped?—from being one of the loudest opponents of Bush’s demand for more oil platforms off America’s most beautiful coastlines to being its loudest advocate, Democrats have been slamming him for it. That’s good.[1]

Democrats are offering a compromise to break the congressional grid lock and cause some positive action.Keep your eyes on them also.[trb]

Democratic leaders in the House discussed the possibility on Wednesday of offering a comprehensive energy package when Congress returns in the fall, according to leadership aides.[2] Scream at your congressman or woman when you see them, anywhere any time any place until they make alternative energy a priority.[trb]

SOME DEMOCRATS JUST DO NOT GET IT AND ARE USING THE WRONG ARGUMENTS
What’s not so good is some of the arguments they’re...Democrats are .... using.[1]
It’s a gimmick, the Dems keep saying. But who cares if it’s a gimmick if it brings down energy prices? [1]

It won’t produce results for twenty years, they keep saying. But since when are Democrats opposed to long-term solutions?[1]

It’s a hoax, because we can’t drill our way out of our energy problems, they say.
But why shouldn’t we drill part of our way out?[1]

MCCAIN HAS NO VISION AND NO PLAN HE IS JUST BEING "POLITICAL".

Politicians such as Sen. John McCain have promoted lifting the prohibition on offshore drilling in some areas as a way to alleviate our energy crisis. Mr. McCain has even linked Se. Barack Obamac's earlier opposition to expanding offshore drilling to our high oil prices. [3]

AMERICANS WANT ACTION ANY ACTION, LEADERS GIVE ACTION THAT’S MEANINGFUL NOT JUST EXPEDIENT.Distressingly, such ideas have gained traction. According a recent poll, 69 percent of Americans now support increased offshore drilling and 51 percent believe doing so will reduce the cost of gasoline within a year.[3]

TO GET CONGRESS ACTING WE MUST COMPROMISE
But it seems clear party leaders are crafting a comprehensive energy package that would combine a Republican priority to open new offshore sites for oil and gas exploration with Democratic priorities, like tax subsidies for renewable sources of energy or new requirements for energy producers to generate more power from renewables, like wind and solar power.[2]

WITH POPULATIONS EXPLODING INTO THE MIDDLE CLASS OUR GOVERNMENT MUST FORCE A CONSUMER SHIFT TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS TO PROTECT AMERICA
While world oil production has never been higher, vastly increased demand for oil from nations such as China has driven up prices. Unless this demand slows (which is unlikely), we won't see major adjustments in oil costs.[3]

THERE ARE COUNTRIES WITH BETTER ARGUMENTS AND SOLUTIONS
A better argument may be found in the same issue of the New York Times Magazine that I rushed to harsh on a few weeks ago. It’s from Deborah Solomon’s crisp mini-interview with Robert Reich. The relevant Q.’s and A.’s:[1]

What do you make of the argument that the only way to lessen our dependence on foreign oil is to tap more oil wells here—in Alaska and off the coasts of Florida and California? When you consider that the oil we pump goes into a global oil market, offshore drilling makes no sense. We take the environmental risk, but we’d have to share the negligible price gains with Chinese consumers and every other user around the world.[1]

Then why do you think President Bush asked Congress last month to lift the longtime ban on offshore oil drilling? If I had to guess, I would say that President Bush is very close to the oil companies and wants whatever they want.[1]

OFF SHORE DRILLING ....INSIGNIFICANT
The point is easy to understand. We take all the risks. We pay all the costs. But we don’t get all the benefits, such as they are. Once the oil comes out, some time in the far future, it gets sold to whoever’s buying at that day’s price. The impact on price will be spread across the globe—which is why, as even the Bush Administration’s Department of Energy admits, that impact will be "insignificant."[1]

PELOSI WILL BACK THE NONSENSE OF OFF SHORE DRILLING JUST TO NOT LET THE REPUBLICAN TAKE CREDIT

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering legislation that would permit new offshore drilling as part of a broad energy bill, a response to growing anxiety within her party that Republicans are gaining traction with election-year attacks that Democrats aren't doing enough to address high gasoline prices.[4]

THERE ARE MANY VIABLE OPTIONS, INCREMENTS OF POLICY BEING DEBATED, WHAT WE NEED IS A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE. WHERE IS AL GORE WHEN YOU NEED HIM

There was also some discussion on the call about including a repeal of tax subsidies for some of the biggest oil companies, one aide said. Democrats kicked off 2007 by passing a measure that would rescind nearly $14 billion in tax subsidies from the biggest oil companies in order to pay for alternative energy projects. Thirty-six Republicans backed that measure, despite strong opposition from the White House and members of the oil industry. It remains stuck in the Senate.[2]

IT IS NOT OUR BUCKET TO DROP INTO

It’s a drop in the bucket, and it’s not even our bucket. It’s China’s, India’s, Europe’s—everybody’s. We get a thimbleful.[1]

OFF SHORE GIVES NO IMPACT FOR 9 YEARS

However, experts at the Department of Energy have found that it would take about nine years for offshore drilling to increase our oil supply at all and that even then the price cut would be "insignificant."[3]

DRILL IN YOUR BACK YARD NOT MINE. HOW DOES GREAT LAKE OFF SHORE DRILLING SOUND ?

Pelosi has long opposed lifting the drilling ban but has come under pressure from members of her own party -- including freshmen in tough reelection campaigns -- to allow a vote on offshore drilling. Adding to that, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama recently said that he would be open to limited offshore drilling if it was part of a broader energy compromise.[4]We need to realize that oil will never be cheap again and other solutions are needed[3]

THE WIND THE SUN THE NUKES ARE OURS

But our wind and our sunlight aren’t going anywhere. Aren’t we better off putting our efforts into encouraging and harnessing them? When we’re thinking long term, when we’re planning for twenty years from now, shouldn’t we be looking to get away from carbon-belching, icecap-melting, coast-destroying oil?[1]

The idea of letting states decide whether to permit drilling has gained support in the Senate too. A bipartisan group of senators recently unveiled a compromise that would let Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia decide whether to allow drilling 50 miles off their shorelines.[4]Drilling opponents are stepping up their efforts to preserve the ban.[4]

MoveOn.org Political Action, which supports the election of candidates favoring the MoveOn.org agenda, has run radio ads in some GOP-held districts attacking the incumbents for accepting oil industry campaign contributions and calling new offshore drilling a gimmick that wouldn't produce oil for years.[4]

HEY...YOU SUPPLY AND DEMAND NUTS ...INCREASE THE COST OF THE SUPPLY EVEN MORE AND SHIFT THE DEMAND TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY...WHY NOT

The underlying truth, though it may be a little too raw for campaign purposes, is that the price at the pump should be higher, not lower. As Elizabeth Kolbert notes in our current issue, a few months of sharply rising fuel costs have done more to cut our oil profligacy than all the preceding years of high-minded exhortations.[1]

WE SHOULD NATIONALIZE THE OIL PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION ARREST THE OIL EXECUTIVES AND HAVE A YEAR OF SHOW TRIALS..IT’S A THOUGHT...A BAD ONE BUT A THOUGHT

Unfortunately, all that extra cost is simply a transfer of wealth to the coffers of oil "producers" like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela, with a few tens of billions skimmed off the top by ExxonMobil and the like.[1]

DENMARK GETS 20 % OF ITS ENERGY FROM THE WIND

Tom Friedman pointed out the other day that the Danes are paying ten dollars a gallon for gasoline. It’s not a problem for them. That’s because most of what they pay goes for taxes that have financed an energy policy so effective that Denmark now gets 20 per cent of its electricity from wind (we get one per cent) and zero per cent of its fuel from the Middle East (down from 99 per cent twenty-five years ago). Now the Danes are getting ready to jack up gasoline taxes even more and use the proceeds to cut personal income taxes. They have this crazy idea that they should tax things they want to discourage, like gas guzzling, and ease up on taxing things they want to encourage, like people working. [1]

I WOULD NEVER EXPECT THAT FROM A BUNCH OF BLONDS

But what do they know. They’re just a bunch of foreigners. European socialists, too, probably.[1]
Last month, former Vice President Al Gore called for 100 percent of our energy to be generated by clean, renewable sources within 10 years. A witness before Congress recently testified that there are no significant technological or engineering hurdles to making this happen.[3]All our country needs to do so is GET the political will.[3]

—END
Posted here by Terry Bankert 8/14/08
* * * * * For more on alternative Energy:
http://energyalternativesadvisor.blogspot.com/
Also see Blogging for Michigan: http://bloggingformichigan.com/ *****

—SOURCES
[1]
The New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/hendrikhertzberg/2008/08/our-drop-their.html

[2]
CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/13/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4349413.shtml

[3]
Baltimore Sun
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-ed.le.letters140aug14,0,4517662.story

[4]
The Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-drilling14-2008aug14,0,4495703.story

[trb]
Comments of Terry Bankert to include unattributed CAP headlines
http://attorneybankert.com/


73490/16983

Sphere: Related Content